Discover the best campgrounds near Priest River, Idaho with wildlife watching

United States
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Idaho
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Priest River

96% (2371 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Priest River

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

100%

(113)

Under the Cedars

8 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Priest River, ID

There are mountains, wetlands, meadows and forest land right in our back yard with an abundance of wildlife that don't understand boundaries. At any time, one critter or another will stroll through and feast on whatever vegetation they desire. We don't have a view of the river but it's nearby and our meadows and mountains offer a peaceful scene all its own. Camp surrounded by Old Growth Cedars and towering Grand Fir, stargaze by night, enjoy a campfire, smores and time with your family, Our peace includes limited cell and wifi service. We still depend on our landline phone and don't offer internet or satellite tv. Feels like we're in the country but we live on a paved county road and only 4 miles from the city of Priest River. Bring your boat for a trip on the Pend Oreille River to Lake Pend Oreille. Launching is a short distance away at the Mud Hole, Priest River City Beach or Riley Creek Campground. Try your hand at fishing for bass, kokanee, perch, northern pike, and trout in the river or on the lake. Wake up in a peaceful woodsy setting where elk, deer, the occasional moose and turkeys roam the property and are often seen in the meadow. Load up your ATV, side by side or motorcycle and head for Priest Lake right from here. It’s a 21 mile (40 minute ride) to Coolin, ID. Enjoy the back county and take some of the IDL roads along the way to explore scenic drainages and in July/August pick some luscious huckleberries (the state fruit of Idaho) for a pancake or milkshake treat. In the fall, a nice central location for hunting camp. Want to go skiing or enjoy the summer lift ride? Head up to Schweitzer Mountain, about an hour drive away (38 miles/65 mins). The city of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille (Idaho's largest lake) are a half hour away (26 miles/33 mins) and Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, ID less than an hour away (36 miles/52 min).

Paradise on Mirror Lake

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Sagle, ID

*** Voted BEST Hipcamp in Idaho 2024 and 2022 -- and 2nd BEST in 2023 *** Like a postcard photograph, Bigfoot Campout is perched up about 50 feet over Mirror Lake, sitting in a mountain bowl on one end of the lake. Campers will have gorgeous views and sunsets over the lake. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, hiking and wildlife watching abound. The campsite is off-the-beaten path so you'll be away from the crowds, yet the site is still close to other area attractions like Lake Pend Oreille (10 min. drive), charming downtown Sandpoint (15 min. drive) & Silverwood Theme Park (30 min. drive). The beauty and allure of Mirror Lake led to it being featured in two Hollywood movies -- Dante's Peak (1997) and Mel (1998). The lake itself is excellent for fishing, and stocked with Kokanee, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout. Paying homage to the Bigfoot legend in northern Idaho, the theme of this campground is all things Sasquatch! Can you find all nine Sasquatch throughout the campground? Some are hidden, others are in plain sight! Swimming in nearby Talache Landing (a.k.a. Talache Beach) on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille is an absolute must-do. The views are absolutely stunning and the water is crystal clear -- and quite refreshing on a hot day. Fishing is best done in a canoe or small boat which can be put in at our campground dock (free) or at the nearby public boat ramp ($5 fee). Fishing off of the campground dock is also a possibility but beware that lily pads are prevalent. Please obey all of the camp rules which are listed on the laminated brochure at the campground entrance. The most important campground rule is leaving the campground just as you found it. This means packing out all trash to prevent wildlife from visiting our campground! A bit of history... In 2021, the campsites were graveled and graded, each with their own picnic table and fire pit. A mulch tent pad was added to Campsites C & D. An on-site portable toilet was also installed at this time. In 2022, 50-30-20-Amp electric pedestals for camper and RV use were installed in campsites B and C/D. (Electric fee may apply -- please ask Host.) Also, a sand tent pad was installed in campsite F. In 2023 a brand-new 70' elevated nature-walk & dock were installed on the lakefront. In campsite E, a mulch tent pad was installed. Also, an interactive "Enchanted Forest" was added to the campground, which lights up a night to reveal all of the woodland creatures that live there! (Kids love this!) In 2024, a small lakefront cabin was added down by the dock at Campsite A. An "Amenities Shed" full of several camping games like horseshoes, bocce, and corn hole was also added by the Port-A-Potty. In 2025, a well & pump will be installed, allowing campers to fill up with potable water within steps of each campsite. Also, a new grass beach will be created by the dock, which will be great for picnicking. As the host for this campground, I do not live on-site. You may reach me anytime before, during, or after your stay via phone, text or Hipcamp messenger. I almost always respond within a few minutes. Detailed directions, and camp information will be sent to every booked guest 48 hours prior to their arrival. When selecting your campsite, please take note of the following: Best lake views: Campsite A, C and D. (Campsites E & F have limited lake views) Easiest RV access: Campsite B. Most private: Campsite B or Campsites E & F when booked together. Most shade: Campsites E & F. Sunniest: Campsite B. Electric access: Campsites B, C & D. (C & D share a power pedestal.) Nearest to Port-a-Potty: Campsite E. Nearest to lake: Campsite A. Best for large parties: Book Campsites C & D together (for larger RV camping parties) or book Campsites E & F together (for larger tent camping parties). Property located 48°10'11.0"N, 116°30'02.1"W

96%

(53)

Flicker's Roost RV Site

1 site · RV20 acres · Spirit Lake, ID

Learn more about this land:Close to everything but private! Our pull through, graveled full hook up RV spot offers 30 and 50 amp service, well water, and a sewer hookup. Our farm is located at the end of a road nestled up against state land, yet we are just a couple of miles from the town of Spirit Lake.

Turnipseed Creek Campsites

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sandpoint, ID

Our property is located on 7 forested acres a few miles from Sandpoint. We have a few different houses on the property where parts of my family live. There are 3 rental spots that are all creek side and next to each other. You can wade in the shallow creek, swim in the pond, enjoy a walk on the nature trail around the property and just enjoy your camp spot surrounded by the forest and creek. There are also many trails and adventures within a 15 min drive of the property.

96%

(51)

Phoenix Rising Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Priest River, ID

This is a very private and quiet place, more of a sanctuary and not a party place. The only thing you hear is nature, a breeze through the pine trees, the birds, and the creek. This property was and is an organic permaculture farm in the forest. There are two orchards and an organic garden. The water is from a spring. The La Luna cabin is off-grid with an option to plugin if needed. Hot Showers at my cabins are private and outdoors. There's nothing more wonderful than a hot spring-fed shower. The toilets are composting. (No water is wasted here)! Two of the cabins were built from the trees on the property by the first family that lived here in the earlier 1900s. The Birds Nest cabin was originally a tool shed that needed a LOT of Love to be in the condition that it is today. It does have power, running water and wi-fi. There is the option to take an acrylic painting class, banjo, guitar or fiddle lessons, paddleboard lessons, and have a real old-timey campfire with a glass of wine or two with live music performed by our famous Fiddlin Red on the fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Your experience here may change your life forever! We haven't added all the experiential options yet, so if there is something you are interested in please inquire. Every year we make it more and more magical and interesting. It's four miles up a county-maintained dirt road and one mile to a non-motorized lake. I can't see my neighbors, but they are awesome artists and musicians and some of them are off the grid! If you're bringing a pet, they must be on a leash and be quiet pets. If you are bringing a child they also need to be quiet and respectful. I want to keep my neighbors and my other guests happy with a peaceful atmosphere. Thank you!

12 top campgrounds near Priest River with wildlife watching

100%

(113)

Under the Cedars

8 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Priest River, ID

There are mountains, wetlands, meadows and forest land right in our back yard with an abundance of wildlife that don't understand boundaries. At any time, one critter or another will stroll through and feast on whatever vegetation they desire. We don't have a view of the river but it's nearby and our meadows and mountains offer a peaceful scene all its own. Camp surrounded by Old Growth Cedars and towering Grand Fir, stargaze by night, enjoy a campfire, smores and time with your family, Our peace includes limited cell and wifi service. We still depend on our landline phone and don't offer internet or satellite tv. Feels like we're in the country but we live on a paved county road and only 4 miles from the city of Priest River. Bring your boat for a trip on the Pend Oreille River to Lake Pend Oreille. Launching is a short distance away at the Mud Hole, Priest River City Beach or Riley Creek Campground. Try your hand at fishing for bass, kokanee, perch, northern pike, and trout in the river or on the lake. Wake up in a peaceful woodsy setting where elk, deer, the occasional moose and turkeys roam the property and are often seen in the meadow. Load up your ATV, side by side or motorcycle and head for Priest Lake right from here. It’s a 21 mile (40 minute ride) to Coolin, ID. Enjoy the back county and take some of the IDL roads along the way to explore scenic drainages and in July/August pick some luscious huckleberries (the state fruit of Idaho) for a pancake or milkshake treat. In the fall, a nice central location for hunting camp. Want to go skiing or enjoy the summer lift ride? Head up to Schweitzer Mountain, about an hour drive away (38 miles/65 mins). The city of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille (Idaho's largest lake) are a half hour away (26 miles/33 mins) and Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, ID less than an hour away (36 miles/52 min).

Paradise on Mirror Lake

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Sagle, ID

*** Voted BEST Hipcamp in Idaho 2024 and 2022 -- and 2nd BEST in 2023 *** Like a postcard photograph, Bigfoot Campout is perched up about 50 feet over Mirror Lake, sitting in a mountain bowl on one end of the lake. Campers will have gorgeous views and sunsets over the lake. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, hiking and wildlife watching abound. The campsite is off-the-beaten path so you'll be away from the crowds, yet the site is still close to other area attractions like Lake Pend Oreille (10 min. drive), charming downtown Sandpoint (15 min. drive) & Silverwood Theme Park (30 min. drive). The beauty and allure of Mirror Lake led to it being featured in two Hollywood movies -- Dante's Peak (1997) and Mel (1998). The lake itself is excellent for fishing, and stocked with Kokanee, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout. Paying homage to the Bigfoot legend in northern Idaho, the theme of this campground is all things Sasquatch! Can you find all nine Sasquatch throughout the campground? Some are hidden, others are in plain sight! Swimming in nearby Talache Landing (a.k.a. Talache Beach) on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille is an absolute must-do. The views are absolutely stunning and the water is crystal clear -- and quite refreshing on a hot day. Fishing is best done in a canoe or small boat which can be put in at our campground dock (free) or at the nearby public boat ramp ($5 fee). Fishing off of the campground dock is also a possibility but beware that lily pads are prevalent. Please obey all of the camp rules which are listed on the laminated brochure at the campground entrance. The most important campground rule is leaving the campground just as you found it. This means packing out all trash to prevent wildlife from visiting our campground! A bit of history... In 2021, the campsites were graveled and graded, each with their own picnic table and fire pit. A mulch tent pad was added to Campsites C & D. An on-site portable toilet was also installed at this time. In 2022, 50-30-20-Amp electric pedestals for camper and RV use were installed in campsites B and C/D. (Electric fee may apply -- please ask Host.) Also, a sand tent pad was installed in campsite F. In 2023 a brand-new 70' elevated nature-walk & dock were installed on the lakefront. In campsite E, a mulch tent pad was installed. Also, an interactive "Enchanted Forest" was added to the campground, which lights up a night to reveal all of the woodland creatures that live there! (Kids love this!) In 2024, a small lakefront cabin was added down by the dock at Campsite A. An "Amenities Shed" full of several camping games like horseshoes, bocce, and corn hole was also added by the Port-A-Potty. In 2025, a well & pump will be installed, allowing campers to fill up with potable water within steps of each campsite. Also, a new grass beach will be created by the dock, which will be great for picnicking. As the host for this campground, I do not live on-site. You may reach me anytime before, during, or after your stay via phone, text or Hipcamp messenger. I almost always respond within a few minutes. Detailed directions, and camp information will be sent to every booked guest 48 hours prior to their arrival. When selecting your campsite, please take note of the following: Best lake views: Campsite A, C and D. (Campsites E & F have limited lake views) Easiest RV access: Campsite B. Most private: Campsite B or Campsites E & F when booked together. Most shade: Campsites E & F. Sunniest: Campsite B. Electric access: Campsites B, C & D. (C & D share a power pedestal.) Nearest to Port-a-Potty: Campsite E. Nearest to lake: Campsite A. Best for large parties: Book Campsites C & D together (for larger RV camping parties) or book Campsites E & F together (for larger tent camping parties). Property located 48°10'11.0"N, 116°30'02.1"W

99%

(389)

A Wee Place in the Woods

11 sites · Lodging5 acres · Priest River, ID

🌿 Hidden amongst towering evergreen trees lies this charming oasis that celebrates art, creativity and community. Five acres of old-growth forest, lush greenery and a rainbow-array of seasonal flowers awaits you. Stunning woodland views in every direction. Soothing sounds of a year-round creek. Active wildlife. 🌿 Accommodations vary from creekside camping to a quaint 1-room cabin with adjoining half-bath (sink + commode). All guests have access to camp amenities including fully-stocked outdoor communal kitchen, fire circle, dance floor, creek-side trails, craft supplies, solar shower, star-gazing area and labyrinth. 🌿 Whether you seek relaxation, spiritual renewal, or the perfect location for a family reunion or special event, you’ll find it here. Meet new friends. Make new memories. We warmly welcome you! 🌿 It is our pleasure to provide complimentary firewood, propane and charcoal, as well as soap and luxury shampoo during your stay at A Wee Place In The Woods. 🌿 ❣️PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN food, cooler, bedding, pillows, towels, and lanterns or flashlights.❣️

Waterfront at Camp Peine

6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dover, ID

Beautiful far reaching southern views, shallow warm water, boat into Sandpoint. Week days are discounted 10% Paddleboards and kayaks are available for use in the bay. Hiking and biking, stargazing, kite flying, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski/snowboard at Schweitzer only 45 min drive to the mountain. Boat launch 2 miles away. A couple of mooring balls available, ask on availability. Shallow, soft, clay bottom. 17' water bouncer, slide, and double blaster available for fun times playing in the water during the summer months. Two sandy beaches shared with Hipcampers and family.

Turnipseed Creek Campsites

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sandpoint, ID

Our property is located on 7 forested acres a few miles from Sandpoint. We have a few different houses on the property where parts of my family live. There are 3 rental spots that are all creek side and next to each other. You can wade in the shallow creek, swim in the pond, enjoy a walk on the nature trail around the property and just enjoy your camp spot surrounded by the forest and creek. There are also many trails and adventures within a 15 min drive of the property.

Pick Earth Farms

1 site · RV, Tent25 acres · Athol, ID

Hello friends! We are a small organic family farm enjoying life in the woods. We have 25 acres of pasture and forest for you to enjoy. Rv hookup has water and power in the pasture. There is a fire pit with wood for you upon arrival. It is just a short two minute walk to our goats, chickens and turkeys. Collect some farm fresh eggs from the coop for breakfast or go forage some mushrooms in the backyard forest. There is tons of wildlife on the farm and you may even wake to some deer out your camper window, as they love to bed down in the pasture at night. If you are here for the outdoor activities, our location is right in the middle of Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint. We are a 10 minute drive to Farragut State Park and Bayview. About 15 min to Round Lake State Park and Lake Cocolalla. Enjoy fishing, hiking and biking at all of these beautiful places. We have fishing poles, paddle boards and kayaks for rent if that is something you are interested in let us know. We love to share this dream we are living so come enjoy a night on the farm :)

Flicker's Roost RV Site

1 site · RV20 acres · Spirit Lake, ID

Learn more about this land:Close to everything but private! Our pull through, graveled full hook up RV spot offers 30 and 50 amp service, well water, and a sewer hookup. Our farm is located at the end of a road nestled up against state land, yet we are just a couple of miles from the town of Spirit Lake.

Phoenix Rising Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Priest River, ID

This is a very private and quiet place, more of a sanctuary and not a party place. The only thing you hear is nature, a breeze through the pine trees, the birds, and the creek. This property was and is an organic permaculture farm in the forest. There are two orchards and an organic garden. The water is from a spring. The La Luna cabin is off-grid with an option to plugin if needed. Hot Showers at my cabins are private and outdoors. There's nothing more wonderful than a hot spring-fed shower. The toilets are composting. (No water is wasted here)! Two of the cabins were built from the trees on the property by the first family that lived here in the earlier 1900s. The Birds Nest cabin was originally a tool shed that needed a LOT of Love to be in the condition that it is today. It does have power, running water and wi-fi. There is the option to take an acrylic painting class, banjo, guitar or fiddle lessons, paddleboard lessons, and have a real old-timey campfire with a glass of wine or two with live music performed by our famous Fiddlin Red on the fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Your experience here may change your life forever! We haven't added all the experiential options yet, so if there is something you are interested in please inquire. Every year we make it more and more magical and interesting. It's four miles up a county-maintained dirt road and one mile to a non-motorized lake. I can't see my neighbors, but they are awesome artists and musicians and some of them are off the grid! If you're bringing a pet, they must be on a leash and be quiet pets. If you are bringing a child they also need to be quiet and respectful. I want to keep my neighbors and my other guests happy with a peaceful atmosphere. Thank you!

92%

(6)

Shaunna D.'s Heaven on Earth - Romance, Adventure and Relaxation Await!

3 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Priest River, ID

Meet your hosts at Cedar River, Shaunna and Jeremiah. Along with their children and extended family, this couple has realized a dream a lifetime in the making. Cedar River is the 'labor of love' child of veteran wedding photographer (Jeremiah Andrews) and sustainability entrepreneur (Shaunna Dahlberg). The home and property on Priest River was purchased as a family gathering place and dream retirement home. Shaunna and Jeremiah eagerly undertook the formidable task of updating and renovating their dream retreat from top to bottom. The home has been transformed into a warm and inviting place for family and friends to share amazing meals, good drink, and bountiful laughter. Beyond the main house, Jeremiah and Shaunna envision sharing the beauty of Priest River with the ones they cherish most. Cedar River was built (quite literally, stone by stone) as their own custom, forested riverside wedding setting. The two are ecstatic with the simple elegance and quirky bohemian vibe of the property as they share in the magical moments coming to life. Jeremiah and Shaunna look forward to the adventure that comes with growing as a family, a couple, and hosts to the Inland Northwest's newest premier waterfront wedding, event and camping venue.

100%

(23)

The Woods in Sagle

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Sagle, ID

Our property in Sagle has two separate sites but also close enough to be used as a group campsite. Each has a fire pit and picnic table. There is a porta-potty very close with a handwashing station and garbage can. Please note there is potable water in the property but not at the sites. These are dry sites without potable water, electricity, sewer hookups or dump. Initial supply of firewood supplied with additional available for purchase at a low reasonable cost. There are other traditional vacation rentals on the property including your hosts home. We are surrounded by tall trees where it is very quiet with the exception of many bird, the distant call of the trains as well as our resident owls. You will find a Lake Pend Oreille is 15 minutes away, Sandpoint is about 10 minutes away with a wonderful swimming beach and Silverwood Theme Park is about 20 minutes. There is lots to do here from fishing and hunting to boating and skiing. Come visit soon!

98%

(644)

Hidden Acres Orchards

14 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Green Bluff, WA

I'm a 3rd generation farmer, working the same land as my father and grandfather. Hidden Acres Orchards is a 60 acre, u-pick fruit, vegetable, and flower farm. Camp within the luscious fruit tree rows, in the middle of a vibrant pumpkin patch or even in the petting zoo! Animals welcome! IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW: We are a real working farm, not like a romanticized IG version of a farm. There are tractors running, sprayers making applications, farm animals loudly enjoying life, day customers picking fruit, and farmers about early in the morning. With that being said, we understand that experience may not be to everyone's liking. Be aware that if you do decide to camp here be ready for a real farm adventure! Another little tidbit: to grow food, we try to maximize the amount of sun it receives- SHADE IS VERY LIMITED. ALL CAMPSITES ARE U-PICK, there are no designated spots. Let your creativity shine and choose as dope a spot as you like! If you're scared of driving off a paved road or frightened by the natural world we suggest glamping at another lovely Green Bluff location. Winter camping is available, please note we typically receive a lot of snow. Early spring is the extreme mud season, please be cautious of our soft ground and stick to the roads. July-August can get very dry some years, which means the grass goes dormant and dust starts to fly. MAX STAY IS 14 DAYS.

89%

(22)

Wildflowers

3 sites · Tents20 acres · Sandpoint, ID

My children and I moved from NY to Idaho to build a small cabin and live off the grid. Learn more about this land:Primitive camping on 20 acres. There is one outhouse that is shared. Quiet and private camping along the creek or within the trees and granite rocks. About two miles to the river and 7 miles to the lake where there is a beach, shopping and more!

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Camping near Priest River with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking to experience wildlife watching near Priest River, Idaho? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for camping enthusiasts. With over 1,000 options specifically tailored to your preference for wildlife watching in this location, you'll have no shortage of amazing campsites to choose from. And don't worry about breaking the bank - with options starting as low as $15 per night and an average price of $38 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out some of our top campsites, like Hidden Acres Orchards (387 reviews), Willow Springs Retreat Center (297 reviews), and A Wee Place in the Woods (249 reviews). Plus, you'll find popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and pet-friendly options, as well as activities such as biking, horseback riding, and swimming. Start planning your wildlife adventure today!